Every family has its own birthday traditions. In my husband’s family, you were allowed to eat sugary cereal and stay in your pajamas and play video games all day. In mine, we picked our favorite meal and cake and helped my mom cook them. Interestingly enough, the Church has her own birthday tradition. In it, her people wear red and eat bread and drink wine and celebrate baptisms. This tradition is called Pentecost, and it is our spiritual birthday.

The story of Pentecost is remarkable. The apostles and Jesus’ followers are all gathered together to celebrate the Jewish feast of Shavuot, which celebrates Moses’ descent from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments.  Suddenly, the sound of a strong wind descends from heaven and they are each crowned with tongues of flame. Perhaps, having followed Jesus around and seen his miracles, this did not faze them too much. But then something happened that changed their lives– and ours– forever. They were filled with Holy Spirit, and the Church as we know her was born.

I don’t know about you, but I still get excited when my birthday rolls around. I begin anticipating days beforehand, and it devastates me when a close friend or family member forgets it. It stands to reason then that I should get excited when I know Pentecost is coming. With the coming of the Holy Spirit, the body grew from a small group of Israelites to an international force. On this feast day we at Resurrection join in celebration with our fellow body members all over the world and rejoice that God has given us his Spirit and in doing so united us as one Body. Now there’s a true cause for celebration.

Story by Meghan Anderson

Remember to wear red or another bright “fire” color light orange or yellow on Pentecost.